Quick Question: Going shopping for my new Phal!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Gage

I guess everyone can have different experience with the same things. I bought a large Phal in straight CHC, and it had beautiful leaves, tons and tons of healthy roots, and zero root rot. So, I decided to switch ALL my Phals. The big ones are super happy, little ones didn't like it so they went to mostly sphag. The CHC I bought came from a reputable orchid supply dealer, and it distinctly smells like vinegar. Maybe they use vinegar to disinfect it? I also heard coconut husk in all forms is cleaned in salt water first. So it has to be washed by the orchid supply dealer or someone in the chain. I always give it 2 or 3 rinses before I use it. Maybe there was salt residue in yours?? But you would have probably seen it when it dries out.

the chc is reportedly 'washed', and I soak and rinse it prior to use, and most of my other orchids (mostly Onc and Catt alliances) have done great with it - so, I'm baffled I know I have read others using chc for Phals with good results ... Perhaps there have been other factors involved, and wasn't the chc itself